SHTF - Cheap Emergency Solar Power! Use Any SINGLE Solar Panel! 1/2

In this video, I show you how to build a cheap emergency solar power system that will work with practically any solar panel. I will power USB and small 12-Volt appliances by harvesting power directly from the solar panel. This simple system uses only a couple of cheap parts and does not require an inverter, battery, or charge controller.

A buck converter is very efficient at energy conversion. This particular DC to DC converter is unique to this task because of its wide-ranging input voltage of 20V-90V as many other converters are fixed to a set input voltage.

NOTE: Although 200 watts of solar power are relatively benign. Never connect more than ONE panel or combination of panels totaling more than 200 watts of power to a buck converter. If you are uneasy about connecting wires, look at getting a USB Solar Charger instead (see below). Always use common sense when dealing with electricity. See my website for more details.

*** Schematic And Complete Parts List (07-30-2023) ***

The Ultimate Buck: Directly from AliExpress (not affiliate link):

0:00
0:03 - Intro
1:00 - The Parts
3:58 - Wire Buck Converter
4:39 - The 12V Appliances
5:12 - The USB Devices
5:40 - Something Cool
6:25 - Wire MC4 Connectors
7:30 - Test USB Devices
8:45 - Test 12V Appliances
10:36 - Make Coffee (clouds)
12:30 - Renogy 100W Panel Test
14:43 - Charge LiFePO4 Battery
18:18 - Something Cool #2
18:47 - Conclusion

*** DC-DC (BUCK) Converter Options ***

NOTE: 07-14-2023 - These are quickly becoming sold out! Check my website for more options.
- If the item on Amazon does not match the link here then its sold out.

XWST: 90 Volts PV (VOC) MAX

20-90V in to 12V DC 10A 120W out
20-90V in to 12V DC 16A 196W out
20-90V in to 12V DC 20A 240W out

See my website for more details and options.

*** USB Panel Options ***

Dual QC3.0 USB Car Charger Socket Panel Switch
(4 in 1) 12V USB Panel - 78W 3 Ports USB C 12V Outlet Dual PD 30W
65W USB-C PD USB Module Only (Power Delivery for higher power devices)

NOTE: 06-29-2023 - Wires are pretty thin on these USB panels. They will get warm at 12A
Some come with a 10A fuse that will smoke using 12V appliances.

*** Cables and Connectors (affiliate links) ***

10 Feet 10AWG Solar Ext. Cable With MC4 Connectors Installed
10 Feet 12AWG XT60 Solar Panel Ext. Cable
Pair of 9In 12AWG MC4 Pigtail

NOTE: The items listed below will work with the 16A/192W buck converter, with the exception of the 300W heater. You may not be able to use them at the same time. I recommend getting the 20A converter to allow for some headroom and not overload.

*** 12 Volt Appliances - Video ***
👀 my website for more options...

*** Reputable Companies (affiliate links) ***

AmpereTime/LiTime: Great LiFePO4 Batteries
3% Coupon Code: NATESDIY

Current Connected: Ready-to-Run Solar Kits and Victron Equipment

SanTan Solar: New and Used Solar Panels:

SFK: Quality DIY Battery Enclosures and Ready-to-Run Batteries:
6% Coupon Code: NATESDIY

Contact Information:
I am not available for personal solar system consult!

FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, We'll receive a small commission.

Videos on this channel are for EDUCATIONAL purposes only. Electricity is dangerous and can kill. Please use common sense.

[natesdiysolar]

>> 07-08-2023: I want to thank everyone who subscribed to my channel! Thank you very much!! I appreciate it GREATLY!!!

>> NOTE: Although 200 watts of solar power is relatively benign. Never connect more than ONE panel or combination of panels totaling more than 200 watts of power to a buck converter. If you are uneasy about connecting wires, look at getting a USB Solar Charger instead (see below). Always use common sense when dealing with electricity. See my website for more details.

Schematic and Parts List (updated 07-30-2023)

Testing USB Solar Chargers:

>> 07-31-2023: Some buck converters will serve as an emergency battery charger but should only be used as such. I have been doing more testing with buck converters charging 12-volt batteries and have gotten mixed results. I am not quite sure why, but I think some buck converter expect to see a load in order to output any power. Either that, or it just is plain inefficient. Some will work and some will not. Even the junkiest MPPT is better at charging batteries from solar panels. Check my website for more details. Update video coming soon!

>> Do not use wire nuts as mentioned in the video. Use XT60, Lever Nuts or BUTT Splice Connectors. They are not DC rated or water proof and if the connection is not good, could create heat. I used them because I needed to quickly disconnect and re-connect to do this testing.

>> If you plan on using this long term, be sure to use larger wires on the USB panel (12AWG - 14AWG). I use the same USB panels on my Solar Power Station but I have upgraded the wires to 12AWG. The 10A fuse that comes with some of these USB panels have a 10A inline fuse that is junk, it will work for the USB and PD module and smaller 12V appliances. Larger 12V appliances like the ones I used in the video will melt that fuse. I would replace that fuse with an automotive blade style 15A - 20A fuse instead and place it on the output of the buck converter (positive) wire. I will update the schematic on the website to reflect this.

>> Just found they actually have a tiny buck with USB-C and USB built in so no USB panel needed. So if you are looking for USB charging only take a look at this one. You can also just get a USB Solar Charger but this unit lets you use any solar panel. But if you already have a solar panel, this unit is cheaper than a USB Solar Charger.

If anyone can find a "plug-and-play" converter, please let me know. I really would like to build a small "power block" for use when camping. It would have all the common outputs you could imagine. I found a mini MPPT and all I need is tiny 20 - 50AH battery.



Affiliate Links:

Please see my website for more details and options.

8-85V to 5V USB to 5V 3A 15W (USB ONLY)

DC-DC Converter 20-90V to 12V DC - 20A 240W

DC-DC Converter 8V-40V to 13.8V DC - 10A 138W

Dual QC3.0 USB Car Charger Socket Panel Switch

10 Feet 12AWG XT60 Solar Panel Ext. Cable

Pair of 9In 12AWG MC4 Pigtail

Enjoy :)

[semperparatus]

This falls into the "Why didn't I think of that category!" I have ALL these parts just laying around but never thought of using them this way! Great Job!

[owenbruce]

Rather than the spending on a buck converter, a small battery and controller would allow many more possibilities...thanks for the live demo 👍

[gameoverwehaveeverypixelco]

A mirror reflector setup for panels will help boost output.

[zodiacfml]

While the thumbnail's challenge is no controller, personally I'd still use an MPPT due to its massive efficiency then connect the DC to DC converter to the MPPT. DC to DC works best more efficient if the difference between voltages is lower. Nice showing of the 12V cigarette lighter appliances, never knew those.👍

[groovyone]

A better buck converter for direct connection to a solar panel would be 24v DC to 13.8V DC, 30 Amp..then it can be used to charge a 12V deep cycle battery as well. This system is great for running a thermoelectric cooler while on a picnic, no need to lug around a heavy battery.

[albertflores]

Wow !! excellent presentation for my little brain. I am buying one of those units.

[vinniec]

I enjoyed this video. Thank you. I was not aware there were that many 12v appliances available!

[Biokemist-ok]

New subscriber here . I am glad you are sharing these things with us. I am building a 1928 Morgan RIP GN Special hill climb racer but as soon as I have a little time I am going to make a video converting a refrigerator compressor over to 12 volts. That way you can either use it for a refrigerator or even an air conditioner without having to leverage your first born.

[stuartstuart]

This is awesome, I see used 260 watt solar panels in the Vegas area going for about $80. This could be a lot of fun as well as practical. Thanks so much.

[ronaldjorgensen]

thank you for your persistence and details

[sickofgreyhats]

God bless you for sharing info like this. Many people will be hurt when crap goes. They will be unprepared.

[ProductsChannel]

This is a great idea. I will have to give this a shot. Thanks bro.

[bw]

Very interesting and informative video you made. Gained a sub here, I'm just getting into some solar stuff. I just picked up 7 100w panels from a friend for dirt cheap. I have a charge controller for batteries but this is an excellent way to expand capabilities in worst case scenario. 👍

[TX_Eric]

WOW I am bearly looking into solar and the simplicity of this setup 🤯thanks

[keithjacobson]

I enjoyed the video significantly. I recently purchased a similar converter to drop 24+ volts down to 12 volts and find it is really accurate. On a panel producing 42 volts it is spot on at 12.1 constantly.

[PyroAnonymous]

Knowing the price for those kind of DC to DC converters, you can find an adjustable buck-boost converter with low voltage protection/MPPT for around a similar price.

I currently use a ZK SJ20 Buck-Boost module, which could take any input from 7-80 VDC to output 1.4-79 VDC; 20 amps, 300W max. It's a very versatile board, capable of acting like a power supply or as a charger

[seewaage]

I bought one of these buck converters and it brought down the voltage and current to a level that I could charge my solar generator. Thanks Nate!

[codemaster]

This was an excellent video first I've seen with a minimalist approach and yet quite a success. I was surprised when you were able to power the cooking devices

[MrBilld]

Very cool alternative way to use a solar panel.